How to finish Tough Mudder… according to the guy who's finished almost 150

Tough Mudder is hailed and feared as one of the world's most gruelling events: 20-plus obstacles spread over a 16km-plus course. Finishing one is a feat. Jim Campbell has finished almost 150.

The Colorado native undertook his first Mudder in 2011 following a miracle recovery from a motorcycle wreck that broke his neck, femur and hip and confined him to a wheelchair.

In 2016 he finished his 100th Mudder at the same US course where he completed his first and 50th — and he's due to complete his 150th this weekend at Tough Mudder in south-east Queensland.

"I’m hoping to set a record this weekend … so Australia will hold a special place in my heart!" he tells Coach.

This weekend's event will include an especially punishing incarnation of the course dubbed Toughest Mudder: its participants grapple with the infamous course as many times as they can in 8 hours between midnight and 8am. Which is insane.

Despite Tough Mudder's notorious intensity, Campbell confesses he's "addicted" to the rush of adrenaline and accomplishment — and the "unique sense of satisfaction" that comes from helping fellow contenders get through the demanding, shocking, freezing obstacles.

"Participants, including myself, value helping others achieve something they never thought possible on their own," he says. "[They] sometimes putting others before themselves to cross the finish line.

"We start as strangers and leave as friends — that’s why I think it’s so popular! I tell folks you may start alone, but you will never finish alone."

Tough Mudder 101

Campbell says people always tell him Tough Mudder is too challenging for them — they could never attempt it. He's quick to brush off that reasoning.

"You can't diss it until you give it a try," he says. "People often think Tough Mudder requires super strength and a fitness regime to prepare for it but it’s not a race. Anyone of any fitness level can give it a go."

For newcomers who've dared to try the course, his number one tip is to pace yourself.

"Take your time – you’re not racing against the clock," Campbell advises. "There are so many people going out like it’s a flat-out race and then just ending up with cramped muscles after four miles of hauling ass."

He recommends jogging at a slow pace, staying hydrated, and listening to your body to avoid strained muscles or cramps — which can even hit seasoned entrants.

He warns your first Tough Mudder is probably going to be a little scary, but says there'll be plenty of veteran Mudders around to motivate you through.

"Don’t be afraid to reach out for help," he says. "Once you’re into [the course], you channel the adrenaline and accomplish something you never thought was possible."

He also recommends eating something light before the event. "But don’t think you will need to stuff yourself silly – you will do more harm than good," he cautions.

Tough Mudder's obstacles are legendary, but Campbell says conquering them is as much of a mental battle as it is a physical one.

"Preparing yourself and getting into the right headspace is just as important as wearing the right gear or training for the event," he says. "It offers first-timers a wake-up call to see life has so much more to offer, and that the only person stopping you is yourself."

That mental fortitude was vital for finishing what Campbell says what his toughest of Tough Mudders, in the depths of winter in 2011.

"it was held on December 14th and the temperature dropped from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 20 [4.5 degrees Celsius to minus 6]," he says. "It makes it so much harder to get through the course — but that being said it was my best event to date."

He says he's "super excited" to compete in south-east Queensland this weekend — partly because he'll cross the 150 milestone, and partly because the event is "spiced up" with new obstacles. They include the 8m "Happy Ending" and "Kong Infinity", designed by a competition winner.

"The terrain is very different but I’m eager to see how they do it in Australia," he says. "It will be interesting to see what Mudders in Queensland think of the new obstacles — I hope Aussies are ready!"

Update (Sunday, May 20): After publication of this story, Campbell completed his 150th Tough Mudder... then his 151st Tough Mudder the next day.